WhatsApp has become an essential part of our lives, making many daily tasks easier. One of WhatsApp’s standout features is that its messages are encrypted. The company always claims that the messages, texts, photos, and videos shared on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted, meaning no one can tamper with them. But then, how do people still complain about their WhatsApp getting hacked?
Last week, NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule claimed that her phone had been hacked. Sule said that after her WhatsApp account was hacked, the hackers sent her a message demanding $400 (about ₹33,585.94).
Later, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sule urged people never to share their OTP or click on unknown links. She wrote, “My phone and WhatsApp are working again,” and thanked Pune Rural Police and WhatsApp support for their help.
So, if WhatsApp is encrypted, how does hacking happen? The truth is, hacking can often occur due to small mistakes or carelessness on our part.
Two-Step Verification
As Supriya Sule advised, you should never share your OTP with anyone. Even if you have two-factor authentication enabled on WhatsApp, you still need to be cautious.
Two-factor authentication significantly increases security, requiring you to set a PIN. WhatsApp may occasionally ask you to enter this PIN before you can access your chats. If you accidentally share this security PIN with someone or someone discovers it, your account is at high risk of being hacked.
Don’t Share Your Registration Code
When you try to log in with your phone number on a linked device, a registration code is sent to your phone. If someone tricks you into giving them this code, they can gain full access to your account and send messages as you.
Clicking on Unknown Links
The third reason hacking can happen is if you receive an unknown link through a message or email and accidentally click on it. If someone gains access to your phone, they can easily reach your WhatsApp account.
In summary, even with tight security, WhatsApp can be hacked if you’re not careful. Avoid sharing your OTP, registration code, and clicking on unknown links to keep your account safe.